The song of the day for Wednesday, August 5, 2020, is “Give Me The Simple Life.”

About This Song

“Give Me The Simple Life” was written by Rube Bloom and Harry Ruby in 1946 for the film Wake Up and Dream, which starred John Payne and June Haver.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Give Me The Simple Life” in 1954 for Bennett’s first album, Cloud 7, released in 1955. The arrangement was by Charles Panely. I believe that it’s worth noting that his first full-length album was a jazz album and reflected the singer he was then and still is now: a solid jazz singer.

“Give Me The Simple Life,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from Apple Music.

The song of the day for Tuesday, February 25. 2020, is “Give Me the Simple Life.”

About This Song

“Give Me the Simple Life” was written by Rube Bloom and Harry Ruby for the 1946 film Wake Up and Dream, which starred John Payne and June Haver.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Give Me the Simple Life” for his first full-length LP, Cloud 7, released 65 years ago this month. The arranger was Charles Panely, who also plays the very nice trumpet on this recording.

Having signed with Columbia Records in 1950, he had turned out a number of hit singles including “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Sing You Sinners,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” and “Because of You,” Cloud 7 was the album that he had wanted to make–a solid jazz long-playing album with a solid group of jazz musicians.

Jazz critic Thom Jurek said that “The mood is nocturnal, elegant, amorous, hip.” As a first album by a young singer (Bennett was not even 30 when he made Cloud 7), it’s a remarkable album that defined Bennett not only as vastly popular singer, but a jazz artist with impeccable taste and true vision of his own artistry.

“Give Me the Simple Life,” as well as Cloud 7, is available from iTunes.